Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1887-05-28
A KANSAS BLIZZARD.
Written for the wEsrzna KANSAS WORLD.
[Conc.uded.l

now. Its an awful storm. The wind
comes from every direction and from
above and below. The snow blinded us.
I knew it was no use when we might have
come back, but couldn't. I was too
much of coward. We lost the way in a
few minutes, but we went on and on, for
hours, it seemed to me. At last, we tried
to come back, but it was too late. Ada
never blamed me nor complained. I
wished she would. She would fall down
every little way, and after awhile she said
for me to 60 on. She couldn't go any
farther. OF course, I couldn't leave her.
I tried to carry her, but in that blizzard
it was no use. So we lay down close to-
gether, and the wind whirled the snow
around and over us, and then sent it off
into the air again. 1 knew it meant
freezing to death, and Phil, old fellow, I
thought of good many things. I saw
just how mean I'd been to you. 1 Thought
of Ada and the other children who might
freeze to death just because I was SO
proud and foolish, and about father and
mother-when they found us--and after
wards.
"Ada was saying something, but not to
me. I listened, and, oh, Phil! she was
saying, Now I lay me down to Sleep I
felt awful.
"It seemed long time after that when
I heard Mr.. Lee speak to his horses. He
was very near, but I couldn't see him. I
called, and he came to US. When he
found I could climb into the wagon, he
said, "A boy of your size ought to have
more sense than to 60 out in such
storm, to say nothing of taking little
girl into it.
"Then he asked who were at school,
and if the rest stayed. When he knew
that his boys went home alone, he said,
with kind of groan, %, my babiesP I
tell you, Philip, if he doesn't find them
safe, I'll wish he had taken Ada, and left
me in the snow. He'll wish SO, too, when
he knows all about it. I told Ray what
to say to you. How could you stand it
500"
I'll tell you about it," said Philip gen.
thy. "Once, long time ago, was read
ing to mother about boy who tried to
swim across a river because the other
boys were going, and they dared him to.
He knew there was danger, but he was
afraid of being called coward. He and
another boy, who went because he did,
were drowned.
Mother asked me if it was the brave
way-his way. She said one had no
more right to risk his life, unless there
was need, than he had to risk his soul.
She said it was as cowardly to 60 into
real danger, just because one was afraid
of being laughed at, as it was to drink or
swear or do any thing else wicked for
the same reason. She said to mel can
never forget it-'You are all I have, Phil
ip. Take care of my boy So, you see,
Clarence, I just couldn't go. I don't
claim any credit"
"You deserve it all the more. The
Robertson girls would surely have frozen
to death but for you. Mr.. Lee would
either have got into some draw, or gone
on till his team was tired out, but for
your lights. Then we three would have
been frozen, for we were all chilled, and
he had only the one blanket he wrapped
around Ada. And I've been so mean to
you! I'll not blame you if you hate me
always"
81 don't feel the least bit like hating
you, Clarence. Really, I never liked you
half so well before"
"Fll be very stupid boy if I don't
learn something from this lesson. It's a
hard one. If I only knew Ray and Roy
were safep'
Mr.. Lee walked in front of his team,
and was soon at home. He entered the
bright sitting room. His wife was just
FASTING the last picture into Christmas
book Tor the boys.
"Pm so glad you are come, Raymond.
You must get warm and eat supper and
then hurry over to the school house for
the boys. They will be so tired and hum
CRY. I've put up some lunch and roll
of blankets for the teacher and the other
children"
"Helen,"-his voice sounded strangely
even to himself, they are not there.
They started home alone three hours
ago. Don't look like that, Dear! Please
God, we will find them. You shall help.
1t is not SO bad out now. Wrap yourself
warm as possible waterproof outside
Put the rubber blanket around the 9TH
ers. I'll fill the wagon with straw, and
be back very soon."
She was ready when he returned. He
drank the cup of tea she gave him. The
feeling of emptiness and loneliness that